Now at 64, with an impressive 102 donations to her name, Diamond medallion recipient Ms Sandran Cheng Shing Yuet reflects on the profound value of having a partner who nudged her towards embracing life's challenging endeavours for the greater good.

Ms Sandran Cheng Shing Yuet was hesitant about donating. It was the first time for a lady in her 30s who had heard enough about the needle that would be inserted into her arm. Thankfully, her husband who had already established himself as a regular blood donor gave her the crucial push she needed to take that first step into what would become a lifelong commitment to helping others through blood donation.

“It is important to help our community and those in need, since it is for a good cause and a selfless gesture.”

A Love that Impacts Lives

Among her most cherished memories from her decades of donation are the early years when she and her husband would donate blood together three to four times a year. Those donation dates always concluded with the couple enjoying a hot drink and light meal together afterwards. 

“My family is proud of my achievement, especially my husband. He has donated 169 times! He was disappointed that he could no longer donate blood after he was diagnosed with diabetes and put on medication. However, I was inspired by my husband and wanted to help him achieve his dream of continuing with blood donations.”

Her continued donations carry special significance against this backdrop, representing not just her commitment but a continuation of their shared legacy. 

Staying Fit for Others

Understandably, her primary obstacle has been maintaining the necessary health standards for donation. Specifically, achieving the required haemoglobin level for each donation has required conscious effort and planning. This challenge highlights the commitment required not just on donation day but in the lifestyle choices made between donations.

However, even though her husband is unable to donate himself, he still remains Ms Sandran’s biggest cheerleader.

“In the few days prior to donating blood, my husband will prepare iron-rich meals to increase my haemoglobin levels and ensure I pass the intake assessment before every donation.”

A Worthwhile Lifestyle

“There is nothing to fear and the needle insertion is not painful at all. Giving blood regularly will help you maintain a positive outlook on life and motivate you to stay healthy. More importantly, it helps save lives!”